Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do I need to use a PG&E participating contractor to participate in this program?

Contractors participating in the AC Quality Care Rebate Program, as well as their technicians, have completed comprehensive course work and training based on American National Standard Institute (ANSI)/Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Standard 4. ANSI/ACCA Standard 4 sets industry leading standards for inspection, treatment, improvement and maintenance of residential HVAC systems. The goal of the standard is to ensure that HVAC systems operate at optimum efficiency while maintaining indoor air quality and occupant comfort.

2. If a contractor presents me with a list of recommended corrections and improvements to my HVAC system, am I required to have the work performed?

No. One of the goals of the AC Quality Care Program is to inform you, as the customer, as to how your AC system’s performance measures against the ANSI/ACCA Standard 4. This may not mean that your system is not working properly nor has a serious issue. The AC Quality Care Program seeks to assist customers in achieving optimum levels of efficiency and performance from their HVAC systems. As the customer, you are by no means obligated to have any work performed on your system. However, should you choose to have improvements made to your HVAC system, PG&E will provide rebates based on the improvements made to offset your costs.

3. Does PG&E set the price for the work performed by the contractor in this program?

No. PG&E does not set pricing for contractors’ work. You are encouraged to shop for a contractor that you feel provides a fair price for the services provided. It is important to note that, in order to receive PG&E rebates, the contractor must be a participating AC Quality Care Contractor. For more information on selecting a contractor visit the Contractors State License Board’s “10 tips” page.

4. Will my energy bill be lower if I complete the recommended repairs?

Energy savings are dependent upon a number of factors, including the age of the system, the climate zone in which you live, personal comfort preference and the extent of any inefficiency of your system. Although PG&E cannot give you a dollar estimate, any system running more efficiently will use less energy while maintaining or improving the comfort in your home.

5. Do customers still qualify for this program if they participate in a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)?

PG&E manages transmission, distribution and delivery of a CCA customer’s electricity, including providing meter reading, billing, maintenance and outage response services. Additional PG&E services, including energy efficiency rebates, California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE), medical baseline, balanced payment plans (generally only on PG&E delivery charges), net metering, California Solar Initiative, other solar programs, and some demand response programs, as well as programs such as eBills and Automated Payment Services are still available to CCA customers. Programs administered by the CCA may differ from those provided by PG&E.